Moscow and Kiev are discussing the price for Russian natural gas supplies in 2008 within a range of $150-$160 per 1,000 cubic meters, Ukraine's fuel and energy minister said on Tuesday.
"The prices under discussion are within this corridor," Yuriy Boiko said. "We believe we will reach an understanding with our partners on the price level for next year."
Ukraine's president and prime minister said earlier that the price for next year should not exceed $160 per 1,000 cubic meters.
However, Boiko said it was premature to talk of a final gas price, as talks were in still in progress. Negotiations will resume in Moscow on Wednesday.
Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said earlier that the talks with Russia's state-controlled gas giant Gazprom would be completed by November 20.
Ukraine currently pays $130 per 1,000 cu m for gas pumped from and via Russia. Media reports have suggested that in 2008 the price could appreciate to $180, in line with Moscow's drive to gradually raise gas prices for former Soviet allies to average European levels, which are currently at $230. ( RIA )